Fears are growing over the future of Championship club Featherstone Rovers after players were told they will not be paid on time.

The Rovers are facing a winding up petition over a £120,000 tax bill, chairman Paddy Handley stepped down last week and chief executive Martin Vickers has left the club. Now – as first reported by Love Rugby League – the playing squad had been informed that Featherstone can’t meet wages for September, or the rest of the 2025 season, and those reports have now been confirmed true.

A memo sent from the club read: “Dear Players, I hope this message finds you well. I want to address an important matter regarding player payments. Unfortunately, I must inform you that we will not be able to process payments on Tuesday or for the remainder of the 2025 season. This decision comes as a result of the current financial situation, which has left the club without sufficient funds to meet our obligations.

“We are actively exploring options to rectify this situation and are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. I understand the impact this has on you and your families, and I appreciate your understanding and professionalism during this challenging time. Thank you for your continued dedication to the club.”

Players are due to meet this evening (Tuesday) with Mark Campbell, the former Rovers Director who has resumed his role following Handley’s departure.

Speaking to this site, Campbell said: “I have a meeting with the players this evening and we are working on where the club is financially as of now. However, we have limited information at hand so this may take some time.”

Many involved with the club now fear it may be heading for administration or a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). Players’ contracts run until the end of next month, but they could become free agents if wages are not paid on time. Campbell this month set up two new companies, Rovers Events Ltd and Rovers Retail Ltd, of which he is the sole director.

However, on the field, Rovers had a relatively successful season under coach Paul Cooke, reaching the 1895 Cup final at Wembley – which they lost to York Knights in golden-point extra-time – and finishing sixth in the Betfred Championship.

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